BRIEF HISTORY OF GOD FATHER AND FAMILY CHURCH (GODFAFC)
Plot 2&5 Ibule Housing Estate, FUTA Annex, Ilesa/Akure Expressway, Akure
God Father and Family Church (GODFAFC) is an evangelical, prophetic, and cross-denominational ministry committed to proclaiming the truth of God’s Word to all people for their strengthening, encouragement, and comfort. The church believes that serving God becomes joyful and real in the new life, when the believer receives and experiences the very life and nature of God the Father.
Through this divine impartation, believers are empowered to worship the Father—who is Spirit—in spirit and in truth, without fear. At GODFAFC, we dedicate ourselves to teaching, training, and guiding one another through the power of the Spirit-Word, that we may discover the reality—Christ. Born of the Spirit-Word, we are called to a lifestyle of worship that is rooted in spirit and truth.
As an evangelical movement, we are deeply passionate about spreading the salvation of the Lord to the ends of the earth, in alignment with God’s redemptive plan to reconcile all things to Himself through Christ. This is carried out by our commitment to the ministry and message of reconciliation, including soul-winning, deliverance, and outreach activities.
Our Beginning
The church held its first service in the living room of its founder, Prophet Baptist Jide, and his wife, Evangelist Mrs. Olajumoke Ekpo-Jide, on Sunday, July 10, 2016. This inaugural meeting took place at Plot 5, Block 8, Parliament Road, GRA, Alagbaka, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. Six individuals attended that miraculous gathering:
- Miss Tam-Ebiju Grace Oluwatomi Jide (daughter)
- Miss Beauty Gabriel
- Bro. Dickson Jide
- Miss Praise Degbela Jide
- Prophet Baptist Jide
- Evangelist Mrs. Olajumoke Ekpo-Jide
The Prophet shared a powerful opening message from Acts 26:18, centered on the theme: “The Unveiling of God’s Plan and Purpose in Our Earth-Walk.” This foundational service, referred to as a “Waiting Service,” also unveiled key elements of the new church including:
- Church Name: God Father and Family Church (GODFAFC)
- Vision Statement:
“Unto whom I send you, to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith in Me…” – Acts 26:17–18
- Purpose Statement:
To raise children unto God through the power of the Spirit-Word, with a vision to sing the Bible, sing the Word, and sing Jesus in the language of faith—the language of the Spirit.
- Church Anthem:
I am in the Royal Family (x3)
My Father God is King
The glories of His fellowship (x3)
Forever let me sing
My Father God is King (x2)
I am in the Royal Family
My Father God is a King
An offering of one thousand naira was collected during this first service.
Early Growth and Milestones
As the waiting period continued through September 2016, the church received two plots of land from the Ondo State Development and Property Corporation (OSDAPC) in Ijapo Housing Estate, Akure. That same year, the church secured its registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
- November 13, 2016: A new keyboard was dedicated.
- February 2017: A brand-new drum set was acquired for worship services.
- Membership Growth: By the end of the first year, the congregation grew from 6 to 46 members.
- July 2018: At the church’s formal inauguration, membership reached 73, including children.
The church experienced an outpouring of prophetic inspiration, resulting in the composition of over 700 new songs, hymns, and spiritual melodies. These were birthed through the prophetic anointing upon the Prophet and many members of the Prophetic Singers (choristers).
- July 2019 (3rd Anniversary): Two albums were released—Glorious God and Son of God, by Evangelist Beligha Kekemeke.
- July 2021 (5th Anniversary): Construction began on the church’s permanent worship auditorium.
The Permanent Site and Worship Auditorium
After seven years and five months of worship at the Mega Primary School Events Hall, Irowo, Akure, the church successfully moved to its newly completed permanent worship auditorium. The first service at the new location was held on Sunday, December 15, 2024. The official dedication of the auditorium took place on Monday, February 10, 2025, during a special service that included:
- “Pen Down” Moment
- Dedication of the Church Worship Studio
- Book Launch
- 60th Birthday and Retirement from Civil Service of the Founder, Prophet Baptist Jide
The move brought a refreshing new energy to the church, supported by a stronger sense of ownership, a vibrant worship atmosphere, and an influx of new members—particularly from the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) and Ibuletown. Notable among the new members is Bro. Thompson, a Ph.D. student, whose involvement has bolstered student ministry, open-air crusades, and discipleship efforts.
By the most recent count, the church’s regular worshippers and membership have grown to approximately 106 people, to the glory of God.
Looking Ahead
There is strong anticipation that full connection to the national power grid and the development of renewable energy solutions will enable the church to host more spontaneous worship programs and revival meetings. These are expected to serve as powerful catalysts for spiritual awakening, leading to a greater harvest of souls and continued growth in the Body of Christ.
To God be the glory, great things He has done—and greater things are yet to come!
GODFAFC Leadership
Prophet Ekpobomini Baptist JIDE (General Overseer)
Pophet Baptist Jide, a vibrant figure was born in the early years 60’s into a polygamous family just as in most African settings at that time. He was named Baptist because his birth happened in the early years of the spread of the Baptist Faith in the oil-rich coastal region of Ondo state, Nigeria, in a town called Biagbini in Arogbo-Ibe amongst the Ijaw speaking ethnic groups in the Niger Delta, Nigeria, West Africa.
His journey, which was infused with divine encounters, led him from the early years of church attendance to a profound conversion during a Bible Study meeting in 1980.
As President of the Scripture Union at Ijaw National High school, Arogbo, Baptist, alongside devoted companions, fervently propagated the Gospel, challenging deep-rooted traditions and religious norns. His steadfast commitment continued through university life, where he played a pivotal role in the transformation of the Christian Union, later rebranded as the Nigeria Fellowship of Evangelical Students (NIFES). Transitioning to Lagos, Baptist’s influence expanded within the English Speaking Session of First Baptist Church, Kosofe. It was there that he encountered his life partner, Evang. (Mrs.) Olajumoke Frances Ekpo-Jide, and their union became a reflection of spiritual devotion and share values.
Baptist expeditions within the New Covenant Baptist Church, Akure, showcased his versatility-serving as Church Leader, Sunday School Teacher, and Evangelism Committee Chairman. His dedication extended beyond the local church, establishing preaching stations and contributing significantly to community outreach. In the secular realm, Baptist success as a Permanent Secretary in the Ondo State Public Service and his affiliation with esteemed professional bodies underscored his multifaceted achievements. Yet, his true calling emerged in the spiritual realm, where he operates under prophetic giftings, impacting lives with declarations of divine prophecies.
The culmination of his spiritual journey led to the founding of God-Father and Family Church (GODFAFC), a prophetic ministry, radiating purity and holiness. His reliance on the Spirit-Word, as evidenced in his teachings and writings, reflects an unending commitment to divine guidance.
As he approaches his forty-fifth year year as a born-again Christian, and Godfather and Family Church reaches its ninth year, Baptist Jide’s legacy of spiritual impact, insightful teachings, and prophetic ministry stands as a manifestation of a life dedicated to God’s glory and the transformation of lives.
GODFAFC at a Glance
